BUFFALO, N.Y. — The American Red Cross is battling an emergency blood shortage.
In an effort to help encourage the community those who donate can receive a $20 Amazon gift card from the Red Cross.
Since July 1, the Red Cross reports that the national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%. The organization is urging people to donate as hospital blood distributions are reduced.
According to the Red Cross, type O inventory is low and hospitals are below levels that they can count on.
“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”
Summer heat has affected more than 100 blood drives creating a deficit of more than 19,000 blood donations, said the Red Cross.
To learn more about where you can donate blood, click here.
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